The Browns might be all but out of the AFC playoff race, but the players still strongly believe they have a lot to play for. In Week 16, it’s beating former Cleveland head coach Hue Jackson and the in-state rival Cincinnati Bengals once again.

Safety Jabrill Peppers talked about the complicated emotions he feels about Jackson, who was partially responsible for the Browns drafting him in the first round in 2017.

“I love Coach Hue,” Peppers said via Ohio.com. “He’s one of the reasons I’m here. But at the end of the day, it’s a business. You can’t really get your feelings too involved or too hurt.”

Jackson quickly rejoined the Bengals staff upon his midseason firing. He served as Cincinnati offensive coordinator before taking over as the Browns head coach in 2016.

Jackson’s move doesn’t bother Peppers … mostly.

“I knew he wasn’t going to stay away from the game long,” he said. “I know how it looks, but he’s the ultimate competitor. He just wanted to be a part of the game, and when the opportunity arises, he couldn’t turn it down. So I have no ill will towards him. I’m thankful for everything he taught me, thankful that he brought me here, but still looking forward to kicking his (expletive) again.”

Peppers and the Browns host Jackson and the Bengals this Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Email

Like this article?

Sign up for the Browns Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Browns Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.